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www.stokegiffordjournal.co.uk
t: 01454 300 400
June 2021
News Parkway Bridge: Reader comments on Facebook PT: Yes time the lights were removed. The whole country is working its way back to normal, surely South Glos can do the same. Temporary measures need to be that, temporary. RS: I use this road as a cycle route. The road width reclaimed for pedestrians/cyclists is actually too narrow to safely cycle along and so have to use footpath anyway. The extra width provided simply doesn’t allow for any significant social distancing. I think the disruption to road users is not justified and the restrictions should be removed to allow traffic to flow. If it actually achieved its intention then it would be worth saving, but from my experience the pedestrian footfall and number of pedestrians I encounter doesn’t make it viable or sensible to retain. CF: There is no need for the extra space any more, on a bus you can sit next to complete strangers. I think you can pass someone for the matter of a second outdoors. There is no real justification in this remaining causing pollution to our local community. SW: I feel much happier with the current system even if it does put a few minutes on your car journey! Such a busy route for pedestrians especially school children and commuters to and from Parkway Station. If the single lane is taken away there should definitely be barriers/railings erected. Otherwise feel there is an accident waiting to happen there! TB: I personally witnessed an accident under the bridge caused by a pedestrian walking into the road in front of a cyclist. The poor cyclist came off much the worse. It also means the buses no longer have to wait for a considerate driver prepared to wait while the bus enters the tunnel and has to drive down the middle of the road. I am more than happy for the scheme to stay.
Prospects for a parallel tunnel at Parkway
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sked what progress has been made in exploring the possibility of building a separate, parallel tunnel dedicated for use by pedestrians and cyclists, a spokesperson for South Glos Council said: • We have applied to Weca for £50k as part of the North Fringe Master planning work currently taking place and will be carrying out an economic assessment to evaluate the costs and benefits of an underpass at Parkway Bridge • This work will determine how best to obtain future funding and we are expecting the results of this report to be ready later this year • The overall solution needs to be aligned to the North Fringe and Parkway area master planning work, with consideration given to access to Parkway Station and the surrounding areas being taken into account • Following this work, further funding may be sought from Weca to produce an outline business case
Weca’s Ten-Year Rail Delivery Plan states: “Previous study work concluded a subway for pedestrians and cyclists would provide the most cost effective and deliverable solution. Whilst not directly a rail scheme it would have major benefits for cyclists and pedestrians accessing Bristol Parkway station. Given the scale of works required there are potential cost savings to be made by linking it to other rail scheme line possessions and by re-evaluating the design and construction methodology. The proposal could form the first part of a wider northern gateway redevelopment project for the station area to improve the passenger experience and maximise the benefits of IET services to London Paddington and South Wales and MetroWest. The plan categorises the Parkway scheme as one which “could come forward”, within a 5-10 year timescale.
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